title: Male circumcision: a globally relevant but under-utilized method for the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
abstract: Randomized trials have demonstrated that male circumcision (MC) reduces heterosexual acquisition of HIV, herpes simplex virus type 2, human papillomavirus (HPV), and genital ulcer disease among men, and it reduces HPV, genital ulcer disease, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis among female partners. The pathophysiology behind these effects is multifactorial, relying on anatomic and cellular changes. MC is cost effective and potentially cost saving in both the United States and Africa. The World Health Organization and Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS proposed reaching 80% MC coverage in HIV endemic countries, but current rates fall far behind targets. Barriers to scale-up include supply-side and demand-side challenges. In the United States, neonatal MC rates are decreasing, but the American Academy of Pediatrics now recognizes the medical benefits of MC and supports insurance coverage. Although MC is a globally valuable tool to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, it is underutilized. Further research is needed to address barriers to MC uptake.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; email: atobian1@jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Aaron A R
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Tobian
authors.forename: Seema
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kacker
authors.forename: Thomas C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Quinn
mesh_terms: D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D002944:Circumcision, Male / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003469:Culture; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006295:Health Resources / Q000600:supply & distribution; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015231:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States